Two Ukrainian Footballers on the Move: Malinovskyi Joins Trabzonspor, Zubkov Heads to AEK

Ruslan Malinovskyi Signs with Trabzonspor

According to Главком: Ukrainian midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi has officially joined Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor. The 33-year-old attended his first training session with the squad on July 6, the same day the club kicked off preparations for the 2026/27 season. He has agreed to a three-year contract. In the previous campaign, Malinovskyi played for Italian club Genoa, where he netted 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 35 appearances. After the 2025/26 season ended, he became a free agent.

Trabzonspor's coaching staff is led by Fatih Tekke. The team also features another Ukrainian player, Arseniy Batagov, who is currently sidelined due to a knee injury.

Oleksandr Zubkov Makes Move to AEK Athens

In a separate transfer, Ukrainian winger Oleksandr Zubkov has left Trabzonspor to join Greek powerhouse AEK Athens. The 29-year-old has signed a four-year deal with AEK, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030. The transfer fee is set at €4 million, with an additional €500,000 in potential bonuses. Trabzonspor also retains a 10% sell-on clause for any future transfer of Zubkov. During the 2025/26 season, he played 37 matches for Trabzonspor, scoring 4 goals and recording 7 assists. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value stands at €6 million.

Malinovskyi's arrival highlights Trabzonspor's active squad overhaul as the club aims to improve its performance in the upcoming season. At the same time, the departure of Zubkov-a key player-could force tactical adjustments from the coaching staff. For AEK, landing Zubkov adds offensive depth, while Trabzonspor benefits financially and secures a stake in his future transfer value, which may prove important for the team's long-term development.